Relocation with Children after Divorce

Relocation with Children after Divorce

After a divorce, either spouse may decide it is time to move on with his or her life, and sometimes that involves actually moving. However, when relocation after divorce involves children, it can be complicated or even impossible.

Common reasons parents wish to move away from the other co-parent, and to a new location, include:

What are Pennsylvania’s laws on relocation with children?

Pennsylvania law, similar to numerous other states, defines relocation as moving a child to a new home in a location that makes it difficult for the other parent to visit the child(ren) as often as the custody agreement allows.

This could mean relocating to another state hundreds of miles away, or just moving a few hours away. The distance required to warrant a relocation hearing or agreement depends heavily on the current custody arrangement.

In some cases, both parents agree to the relocation with only minor alterations to the parenting plan. In other cases, the court must determine what is best for the child.

Pennsylvania law bars relocation unless either both parents consent or the court reviews and okays the relocation. Pennsylvania requires the parent wishing to relocate to the other parent by certified mail at least 60 days before the move. You must submit this same notification to the court along with the proper paperwork to request a modification to your custody schedule.

This notification must include information about the new home, including:

The address, if known

The names and ages of anyone living (or planning to live) at the new address

The name of the new school

The date of relocation

The reason you want to relocate

The proposed revised parenting plan and custody schedule

If the other parent objects to the relocation and/or change in the custody schedule, he or she must file a counter-affidavit. There is a 30-day time limit to file this objection. If this occurs, the court will schedule a hearing to determine if the move is in the best interests of the child.

What are New Jersey’s laws on relocation with children?

New Jersey law requires permission either from the other parent or through court approval if a parent wants to move a child to another state, or far enough across the state to cause a problem with the current custody agreement. This applies to children who were:

Born in New Jersey, or

Have lived in the state for at least five years

Much like the process in Pennsylvania, both parents can reach an agreement and sign a consent order showing they agree to the relocation and any applicable custody schedule changes it requires, or the parent who wishes to relocate can file paperwork with the local superior court to have the court approve the move. The other parent then has a limited time to respond. If the other parent does not respond within this time period, he or she forfeits the chance to do so.

In addition to stating the reason they want to move, parents wishing to relocate must submit a realistic and fair parenting plan proposal, and show the court that the child has comparable or better opportunities in the new area as there is in their current home. These opportunities often include:

Medical care providers

School districts

Recreational opportunities

Boy/Girl Scouts or other clubs

Church youth group activities, if religious

This is true even when a parent has sole custody of a child, although it is typically easier to have this type of move approved by the courts. Custodial parents hoping to relocate must show they are doing so in good faith, and that the move is a positive one for the child.

Can we avoid court?

While it is always a good idea to file your relocation request with the court to ensure your parenting plan and custody schedule is up-to-date, the legal aspects of the relocation process are always much easier when the parents can agree on the relocation and work together to reach a fair custody agreement.

While it is not always possible, if you can discuss the possibility and agree before you file any motions, it will speed the process along and help make the whole process much easier. If this is not possible — if the other parent does not agree with the need for relocation or wants to move the children too far away from you — then enlist the help of a lawyer.

Contact Our Firm for Assistance

Whether you are hoping to relocate or the other parent wants to move your children away, Petrelli Previtera Schimmel, LLC can represent you and your child’s best interests. Contact us at 215-523-6900 to learn more.

Child custody decisions in New Jersey prioritize the best interest of the child. As with any decision regarding children, it... read more →

January 25, 2019

What Clients Say About Us

This firm is very good. They gave me good advice and so far I’ll still have custody of my grandchildren and with his help I shall maintain that custody. Superior.- A Family Law Client, Philadelphia, PA

Petrelli Previtera Schimmel worked with me on case and he was great. His staff and lawyers are so friendly and helpful. You can tell they cared by how quickly they returned my calls. Even if Mr. Petrelli was unavailable to assist me, his associate was there to answer my questions. I am very happy with their work and their rates are reasonable. If you need a family lawyer, these are the guys to go to.- A Pennsylvania Client, Delaware County, PA

Chicago

PRINCETON, NJ

Contact Family Law Attorneys Today

Our goal is to protect and support Pennsylvania and New Jersey families through all of life’s changes with as little stress as possible. If you’re ready to discuss your legal options for your specific matter, we can help you get started and ensure you’re as well-informed as possible from the beginning.

Schedule a consultation with a family law attorney recognized as an authority in family law.